Mirror with interchangeable appearance covers

ABSTRACT

A mirror system having a common framework that allows interchangeability of mirror styles. The mirror system includes a first skeleton support structure operatively attached to a portion of a vehicle. The support structure including a mounting bracket therein. A removable cover adapted to be attached thereover for providing a stylistic appearance to the bracket portion. A second support structure is provided for attachment to the bracket portion. A second support structure includes attachments for supporting a mirror assembly therein. The support assembly includes a connection structure. An outer interchangeable cover portion is provided, which is interchangeably fitted to the support structure for providing a variable stylistic outer surface to the mirror.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application claims priority from International PatentApplication No. PCT/US01/19262, filed Jun. 15, 2001, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/211,845, filed Jun. 15, 2000,the entire specifications of both of which are expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vehicle side view mirrors. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a side view mirrorassembly with interchangeable appearance covers, generally shown at 10in the drawings.

The style, features and functions of vehicle side view mirrors havebecome increasingly important to both manufacturers and consumers intoday's automotive and vehicle market. Typically, in the past, vehiclemirrors and features therein are designed for a particular model, withlittle, if any, interchangeability of parts.

A particular mirror design is designed specifically for a particularapplication with both mechanical features, such as a manually adjustablemirror or an electrically adjustable mirror, and stylistic designconsiderations being created for a single specific design. While thesemirrors have been adequate, they require a separate manufacture for eachtype of design, whether foldable, manually adjustable or electricallyadjustable or the like. Therefore, design changes either stylisticallyor feature-wise are hard to accomplish in a timely manner.

Thus, in the past, typically stylistic changes require entire rebuildsof the internal component and framework, along with the externalstylistic changes. Therefore, it has been desirable to provide a systemwhich will allow interchangeability of aesthetic features and variousoptions. Preferably, the system would include a generic mirror controlmodule over which various stylistic covers could be fitted to providedifferent stylistic looks to the mirror assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mirrorsystem having interchangeable covers which fit over a common supportstructure. The mirror system includes a first skeleton support structureoperatively attached to a portion of a vehicle. The support structureincluding a mounting bracket therein. A removable cover adapted to beattached thereover for providing a stylistic appearance to the bracketportion. A second support structure is provided for attachment to thebracket portion. A second support structure includes attachments forsupporting a mirror assembly therein. The support assembly includes aconnection structure. An outer interchangeable cover portion isprovided, which is interchangeably fitted to the support structure forproviding a variable stylistic outer surface to the mirror.

Therefore, the present invention allows interchangeability of the outercover structure of the mirror or bracket while maintaining a commonskeletal structure. This allows customization of the look and featuresfound on or in the mirror. Customization as to the design for attachmentto the door is also realized due to the interchangeable cover portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded illustration showing a modular mirror system ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a phantom view of the mirror system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing attachment of the mirror cover tothe support;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mirror cover attached to themirror support;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing attachment of the cover over theattachment support member; and

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the mirror assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The system 10 includes inner structural member which are a mirrorsupport portion 12 and a mounting bracket 12 a, generally shown at 12,12 a. A first cover member 14 and second cover member 14 a provide anouter stylistic appearance to the mirror. The cover members 14, 14 a areinterchangeable over the structure members 12, 12 a from a firstdirection, generally shown by arrow A, and are snap fit on the lowermember in a manner known in the art. A preferred embodiment includes amounting bracket 12 a and a mirror support portion 12. Interchangeablecovers 16, 18, 20, for changing the appearance, may be attached over themirror structure. Alternatively, door attachment covers 22, 22 a, 24, 26may be readily attached to a mounting bracket 12 a for changing theappearance of the portion of the mirror which attaches to the car door,such as at the “sail” portion of the window. Thus, the internalcomponents such as the foldable spring 42 and bushing 44 componentscould be used, or a modular powerfold mechanism could be interchangeablyused, depending on the desired option. Additionally, mirror adjustmentmodular assemblies such as remote control electrical mirror assembly 46,remote control manual assembly 48, hard top adjustable mirror moduleassemblies, or mirror memory modules are interchangeable in the frameportion 50. Mirrors such as 18 a and 20 a are provided to match thecovers 18 or 20 respectively.

The mounting bracket 12 a or mirror support structure 12 include a lowerplate 28 thereof, which becomes an outside show surface continuous withthe cover after assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is placedover the mounting bracket and mirror support portion 12 from the top,and then the opening in the cover matches a lower plate 28, which formsthe lower outer surface of the assembled mirror structure.

As can be seen from the drawings, the outer covers 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 or26 all have apertures 30 or 30 a in their base, which conform to lowerplate 28 and attachment portion 28 a for forming a continuous surface onthe bottom of the mirror, which shows only a slight line about theperiphery of the lower plate 28 or attachment portion 28 a, as shown inFIG. 6.

The mirror support portion 12 includes attachment tabs 32, 34 and 36.The covers include vertical receiving structures 39 and 40. As bestshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mirror cover 18 is applied over the mountingbracket 12 a, first at an angle as shown in FIG. 3. The tab 34 is placedin receiving structure 39. The mirror cover is then rotated such thattab 32 engages receiving structure 40. Thereafter, the cover is rotatedfurther until the opening 30 engages lower plate 28, as shown in FIG. 4.A fastener 76 is then inserted at tab 36 for attachment to a suitableflange 74 one the cover 18 for securing the cover 18 to the mirrorsupport portion 12. This is a method used with tabs on the sides. Itshould be readily appreciated that the tabs could be placed on the topof mirror support portion 12, such that the vertical movement is allthat is necessary for applying the mirror cover. Similarly, snap fitattachment, such as a latch in a tang or tongue in groove securement,could also be used for final securement.

Similarly, an attachment cover 24 slides over the mounting bracket 12 a.Mounting bracket 12 a includes a tang 38. Tang 38 includes a slottherein which engages a “T” shaped attachment protrusion extending fromthe inside cover 24. The “T” shape is slid into the groove as the coveris moved down over the mounting bracket 12 a, as shown in FIG. 5.Additionally, the mounting bracket 12 a includes attachment holes atwhich fasteners can be inserted during sliding of cover downward, suchas shown in FIG. 5.

As set forth above, the mirror support portion 12 includes a connectionportion 52 for connection with the vehicle. As shown, this can bemechanical folding type connection or it could be a fixed attachment.Alternatively, a power fold mechanism may be utilized in the design.

Additionally, the skeletal framework creating the rounded aperture 50provides a mounting location for the mirror adjustment module (46 or48). Preferably, horizontal ribs 54, 56 and 58 and vertical ribs 60, 62and 64 provide the skeletal structure for supporting the framework andthe overlying covers 16, 18 or 20. However, the skeletal structure shownin FIG. 1 can also be utilized for structural support. As shown in FIG.1, this framework includes a pair of crossed support members 66 and 68which support the mirror adjustment module. A horizontal rib 70 with aseries of three cutouts is provided for attachment to the lower plate28.

In operation, appearance of the mirrors may be changed as desired,depending on the application. Additionally, if certain features aredesired, such as turn signals, flood lights, puddle lights, spot lights,proximity sensors, speakers, intercoms, microphones, warning lights,temperature sensors or the like, can be incorporated into the mirror orattachment potion 28 a of the cover and then interchanged on thevehicle, either during manufacture or later at the dealer. Thesefeatures are mountable either on the cover portion or the underlyingframe. Thus, appearance features, colors and shape may be easilycustomized using the present invention.

This modular functionality allows a variety of feature configurations.Thus, this system allows manufacturers consistent attachment andperformance, which can be used on various vehicle platforms. It is onlynecessary to design the outer covers to match the door and type ofmirror and choose the desired options. The modular nature allows lowcost facelift opportunities for simplistic design changes. Lowdevelopment costs for follow on program opportunities are achieved.Also, this system allows for reduced time to launch a new design, lessengineering and test resources required, reduced tooling cost, andreduced capital investment. Thus, several manufacturing and massproduction benefits are achieved while offering unique styling,appearance and features.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A method of attaching an interchangeable cover to a mirror housing,comprising: providing a mirror support framework having a portionthereof being an outside show surface of the mirror housing, whereinsaid mirror support frame work has a first fixed securement structureformed on an exterior surface thereof and a tang formed on said exteriorsurface; providing a first interchangeable outer cover member having anopening formed therein, which is adapted to surround the portion forforming a substantially continuous surface, and the firstinterchangeable outer cover member being slidable over the mirrorsupport framework for providing an outer cover to the mirror housing;providing a substantially vertical receiving structure formed on theinterior surface of said first interchangeable outer cover member;installing said first interchangeable outer cover member over the mirrorsupport framework by engaging said first fixed securement structure tosaid substantially vertical receiving structure; providing a mountingbracket portion for attachment to a vehicle, including an underlyingframework having a second fixed securement surface formed on the surfaceof said mounting bracket portion; providing a second interchangeableouter cover member for changing the stylistic appearance of saidmounting bracket portion, wherein said second interchangeable outercover member has an attachment protrusion formed on an interior surfaceof said second interchangeable outer cover member; and installing saidsecond interchangeable outer cover member to said mounting bracketportion by engaging said attachment protrusion to said tang.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the mirror support framework and the bracketmounting portion are foldably attached with respect to one another. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein said foldable attachment isinterchangeable between a manual fold mechanism and a powerfold module.4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a plurality offirst interchangeable outer cover members for filling over said mirrorsupport framework and a plurality of second interchangeable outer covermembers for filling over said mounting bracket and selecting aparticular style of said plurality of said first outer cover members andsaid plurality of said second outer cover members and attaching saidselection to said mirror housing for filling over said mirror supportframework and selecting a particular style and attaching it to saidmirror support framework.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said mirrorsupport framework includes a control module accepting portion thereoffor receiving an interchangeable mirror control module, providing aninterchangeable support module, and snap fitting the module into saidmirror support framework prior to installing said first interchangeableouter cover member.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said portionthereof being an outside show surface forms a bottom portion of themirror housing.
 7. A mirror system comprising: a first outer decorativecover portion having an area defining a first aperture; a second outerdecorative cover portion having an area defining a second aperture; asingle structural member adapted for attachment to a vehicle, saidstructural member including a mounting bracket and a mirror support;wherein said mirror support is operable to be received through saidfirst aperture such that said first decorative cover portion is operableto cover a first portion of said mirror support; wherein said mountingbracket is operable to be received through said second aperture suchthat said second decorative cover portion is operable to cover a secondportion of said structural member; and wherein said mirror support isoperable to support a mirror member, said mirror support including aportion for receiving a mirror adjustment module therein; wherein saidstructural member includes a first fixed securement structure formed onan exterior surface thereof and a tang formed on said exterior surface;wherein said mounting bracket includes a second fixed securementstructure formed on an exterior surface thereof; wherein the first fixedsecurement structure is operable to engage a substantially verticalreceiving structure formed on an interior surface of the firstdecorative cover portion and the second securement structure has anattachment protrusion formed on an interior surface of the seconddecorative cover portion for engaging said tang; wherein either thefirst or second decorative cover portion are interchangeable withrespective first or second decorative cover portions.
 8. The mirrorsystem of claim 7, wherein said structural member is a skeletonizedsupport structure for supporting said mirror and either of said firstand second outer decorative cover portions.
 9. The mirror of claim 7,wherein said single structural member and said mirror support arefoldable with respect to one another.
 10. The mirror system of claim 9,wherein said folding mechanism can be interchanged between a manual foldand power fold mechanism.
 11. The mirror system of claim 7, wherein saidmirror member is manually adjustable in said mirror support.
 12. Themirror system of claim 11, wherein said mirror member is remotelyadjustable from inside the vehicle.
 13. The mirror system of claim 7,wherein said mirror member is electronically adjustable from inside thevehicle.
 14. The mirror system of claim 7, wherein a bottom portion ofsaid bracket forms an outer surface of a mirror housing.
 15. The mirrorsystem of claim 7, wherein said mirror support receives a generic modulewhich is inserted for providing a manually top type adjustable mirror,an electronically adjustable mirror, a remote manually adjustablemirror, or an electrically adjustable mirror with memory.
 16. The mirrorsystem of claim 8, wherein said skeletonized support structure accepts acover portion selected from a plurality of different designs of coverportions having a commonly configured attachment securement structure.17. A mirror system having interchangeable component parts, comprising:a skeletonized mirror support structure for supporting a mirror controlmodule having a mirror attached to said skeletonized mirror supportstructure; said skeletonized mirror support structure being configuredfor supporting one of a plurality of mirror control modules havingpre-selected features; said skeletonized mirror support structure has afirst fixed securement structure formed on an exterior surface thereoffor attaching one of a plurality of first cover members using asubstantially vertical receiving structure formed on the interiorsurface of each said first plurality of cover members; an adaptablefolding mechanism for providing folding between a bracket and saidskeletonized mirror support structure, wherein said folding mechanism isadaptable for configuration between a manually foldable configurationand a power foldable configuration while maintaining the configurationof the skeletonized mirror support structure and the bracket structure;a mounting bracket structure adaptable for attachment to a vehicle; saidbracket structure including a second fixed securement structure formedon an exterior surface of said mounting bracket structure; and saidsecond fixed securement structure allowing attachment of a second outercover selected from a plurality of second outer covers using a tangformed on the exterior of said first fixed securement structure and anattachment protrusion formed on the interior surface of said secondouter cover.